LOVE IS

We stood stiff and apprehensive
One nervous, one fearful, both defensive
He was over six feet one inch tall
I was only four foot eleven inches small
Clutching wilted flowers to my breast
I had on a shapeless yellowed white dress
His shirt was wrinkled and his suit two colors
Pants too short and his coat had a torn collar
The minister mumbled, his words barely audible
But we heard him say without any trouble
“I now pronounce you man and wife
You are now joined together for life"
Dizzy, I started falling into shadows and confusion
But my husband with speed and precision,
Caught me mid-collapse, enclosing arms fixed firmly
Saying very softly just for me
“I’ll take care of you, I promise, wait and see“.
We started studying each other
Adopting indifference, our interest under cover
This man was confident, optimistic, and never grim
I liked it that people respected him
His humor was dry, spicy and often wicked
I’d blush and laugh, I just couldn’t help it
His cursing was mild, but if he was riled
He’d switch to Croatian (no translation required!)
We began to thaw, to yearn
Maturing and determined to learn.
We worked hard to make a desirable and stable marriage
Rounding it out, nothing to dislike or disparage
The essence of our marriage was warmth and contentment
Including exploration of a loving commitment
Much laughter ensued in our efforts to declare and share passion
And endearments sweetly ours (if old-fashioned)
We had stops and starts and minor setbacks
But felt we were travelling on true and straight tracks.
We cultivated a definitive and strongly anchored love
Like a familiar and very favorite well-fitted glove.
For my husband and me the years sped by
No children and only God knows why
We filled this lack by composing and teaching
He a sports coach shaping and training
While I with writing feeding and seeding
Young minds uncluttered innocent and seeking.
We had ups and downs and our share of frowns
But most times for us were as beautiful
As the most precious jewels in royal crowns.
We’re on a short path now
Our off-stage exit on pause
As we rehearse to perfect our final bow
It’s comforting to lapse into our usual loving banter
That forged our treasured and truly balanced center
We cultivated a definitive and strongly anchored love
Like a familiar and very favorite well-fitted glove.
March 3, 2011